Plans revealed for 450 space multi-storey car park in Sheffield city centre

West Bar Square is a long standing project which aims to extend the city centre to the riverside, Kelham and Castlegate. The council says it will also remove a “physical and psychological barrier” from Burngreave to the city centre.

Mostly vacant land and temporary car parks will be transformed with large scale offices, 368 apartments, independent cafes and green spaces.

Sheffield Council says while there is a active travel plan, there will still be a need for a multi-story car park with 450 spaces.

Council executive director Mick Crofts says in a report: “When the full development is complete there will be approximately 500 cycle spaces and part of the land will enable the delivery of a cycle scheme at West Bar roundabout

“The first phase of the development includes a 450 space multi storey car park. Whilst the scheme is being designed to encourage active travel and use of public transport there will still be a need for car parking and it will contain a lot fewer parking spaces than are currently on the whole site.

“It will include more electric vehicle charging points when it opens than are currently required by the planning permission and will also incorporate infrastructure to expand that number in future.”

The council says the development will deliver “considerable environmental improvements” as it will remove semi-derelict buildings and surface car parks, delivering energy efficient buildings, high quality public realm and landscaping with new pedestrian routes.

The report adds: “The office will be built to excellent standards. It has been designed to maximise daylighting and views out whilst avoiding solar gain. At least 12 per cent of the energy required will be provided by solar PVs and air source heat pumps.”

There will be planting, flood mitigation and sustainable drainage. Large walls and redundant structures which “create quite a hostile environment for pedestrians” walking from Burngreave and Kelham to the middle of the city centre will be removed.